Thank you Chair/President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of the BENELUX countries. We align ourselves with the EU statement.

We condemn in the strongest terms past and continuing mass atrocities and grave human rights violations, such as sexual and gender-based violence, committed by the Myanmar military against civilians, including the Rohingya.

We recognize the work of the Special Rapporteur, the OHCHR, the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and all others working towards justice. In particular, we recognize the leadership of CSO’s and human rights defenders in Myanmar, including women human rights defenders, who work towards accountability under severe pressure and harassment. On the eve of international women’s day, the EU adopted sanctions targeting several individuals and entities linked to serious human rights violations and abuses, particularly sexual and gender-based violence in Myanmar.

We call on all parties to the conflict to enable full, safe, unimpeded, sustained and independent access to humanitarian assistance and protection for conflict-affected communities. We welcome your call to member states to step up their humanitarian efforts to stave off the cutting of food rations for the Rohingya.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

We need to continue our fight for justice and accountability for the people of Myanmar. What more can we do to make this happen?

Thank you